Cycling circuit: Circuit de l'Albanais

A lovely pastoral circuit that takes you over the Pont de l'Abîme.

Departure point / TER: Annecy
Length: 74 km
Difficulty: red
Total ascent: 620 m
Direction: clockwise
Landmarks and connections: Cusy (continuation to Aix-les Bains via route no. 51); Rumilly (possible connections with routes 12, 13, 14 and 15)
TER station: Rumilly (with possible return train to Annecy)

To reach the famous Pont de l'Abîme, first take the D5 from Annecy (ZI du Vovray, route de Vieugy). You'll then follow the rolling hills of the Semnoz, on the edge of the Massif des Bauges regional nature park, until you cross the Chéran torrent at a height of almost 100 metres, with a view of the Tours Saint-Jacques, astonishing isolated cliffs overlooking the gorge. Pictures to be taken!
Past the village of Cusy, you'll have the pleasure of crossing a small, easy pass, the Goléron, before descending rapidly into the heart of the Albanais region. Crossing the national road at St-Félix requires a little caution. The quiet départementale 53 then takes you to the outskirts of Rumilly, home of the Téfal factories since 1961 (with factory outlet!). Once you've reached the Place d'Armes, you'll be directed to Rue du Pont Neuf. But it would be a shame to follow the signs without discovering the town! Turn left into Place de l'Hôtel de Ville with its arcades. From there, stroll with bike in hand through the little streets and squares with their Renaissance facades. You're sure to find a welcoming terrace for a break!
You'll return on the D16, known as the Route des Creuses, where you'll need to keep your wits about you until you reach the hairpin bends crossing the stream of the same name. After a second winding valley, at the first roundabout you'll be directed to Annecy via the quiet lanes of the Seynod commune.